Palmer College of Chiropractic

Academic Programs

D.C. Curriculum - Technique

Interim Director of Technique:
Kevin W. Paustian, B.S., D.C.

Ramneek Bhogal, D.C., Instructor
Michael L. Bovee, M.S.Ed., D.C., Professor
J. Richard Burns, D.C., F.I.C.A., Professor
James W. DeVocht, D.C., Ph.D., Associate Professor
Pamela S. Gindl, B.S., D.C., Associate Professor
Rachelle Herrity, D.C., Instructor
Roger Hynes, D.C., Instructor
Marjorie R. Johnson, Ph.D., D.C., Professor
Danny G. Lipes, M.F.A., D.C., Associate Professor
Joseph D. Peterson, D.C., Assistant Professor
Howard A. Pettersson, B.S., D.C., Associate Professor
Glenn K. Sorgenfrey, D.C., Associate Professor
Don L. Specht, D.C., Professor
John W. Strazewski, B.S., D.C., Associate Professor
Steven D. Wild, D.C., Professor

Curriculum

TECH602 61
Palpation—2 credits
Prerequisite: ANAT 210
Prerequisite for: TECH603, TECH605
Basic clinical palpation will be introduced with emphasis on the structural and functional examination of the spine and related structures. Soft tissue palpation and posture analysis are also presented.

TECH603 62
Toggle Recoil—5 credits
Prerequisites: ANAT211, PHIL111, PHIL112, TECH602
Prerequisite for: All Technique courses fifth trimester and above
The biomechanics of the upper cervical spine are presented, as well as a reinforcement of static and motion palpation skills. Palmer Upper Cervical Specific X-ray analysis and adjusting procedures are presented. The use of chiropractic instrumentation and leg checks are presented as they pertain to upper cervical practice.

TECH604 71
Cervical Technique—5 credits
Prerequisites: ANAT211, PATH408, TECH602, TECH603, TECH605
Prerequisite for: TECH606, TECH614, TECH615
Co-requisite with: DIAG707, TECH612
The analytical and adjusting procedures for the cervical and upper thoracic spine are presented. The cervical spine biomechanics are presented, along with the practical and analytical aspects of the chiropractic X-ray analysis and instrumentation. Interpretation of static and motion palpation procedures for the cervical and upper thoracic spine is reinforced. Orthopedic-neurological examination for the cervical and upper thoracic spine is included, as well as review of prior technique material. Evaluation of the patient’s spine is discussed so that the doctor in training may evaluate when, where and how to adjust appropriately.

TECH605 62
Instrumentation—2 credits
Prerequisites: ANAT211, TECH602
Prerequisite for: All Technique courses fifth trimester and above.
The course offers a survey of current skin surface temperature assessment theory and technique relevant to chiropractic case management. There is an introduction to various thermal-sensitive devices commonly used in chiropractic. Practice will involve the manual and interpretative arts of collecting and analyzing skin surface thermal data.

TECH606 72
Thoracolumbar Technique—5 credits
Prerequisite: TECH603, TECH604, TECH605, TECH613
Prerequisite for: TECH614, TECH615, CLIN805, CLIN806
Co-requisite with: DIAG703
This course presents the biomechanics of the thoraco lumbar spine. It also reinforces the evaluation processes and clinical reasoning involved in this area. The skills taught or reinforced include the clinical interview, neurological evaluation, orthopedic testing, range of motion evaluation, visual evaluation, static and motion palpation, and radiographic analysis. Evaluation of the patient’s thoracic and lumbar spine is discussed so that the doctor in training may evaluate when, where and how to adjust this area appropriately. The doctor in training also will learn post-evaluation methods to monitor patient care. Prior technique material is reviewed with the chiropractic spinal analysis and adjusting procedures appropriately emphasized.

TECH612 72
Pelvic Technique—5 credits
Prerequisites: ANAT211, TECH603, TECH605
Prerequisite for: TECH614, TECH615, CLIN805, CLIN806
Co-requisite with: TECH604
Palpation skills for the sacroiliac articulations are reinforced, as well as introducing a comprehensive study of pelvic mechanics. Adjusting procedures and X-ray analysis for the pelvic region are presented. Chiropractic instrumentation is reviewed.

TECH613 71
Biomechanics—4 credits
Prerequisites: ANAT205, PATH408, PHCH305, TECH602
Prerequisite for: TECH606, TECH614, TECH615
Co-requisite with: ANAT206, PATH410, PHCH342
This course will cover the biomechanics of the spine, extremities and soft tissue. The student will be introduced to tissue mechanics, including adaptations to various stimuli. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to spinal biomechanics, including the parameters of subluxation complex and adjustive procedures. Special attention is continually paid to the clinical application of biomechanics, including initial injury and optimal biomechanical motion in the prevention of injury.

TECH614 81
Technique Principles and Practice—5 credits
Prerequisites: TECH602, TECH603, TECH604, TECH605, TECH606, TECH612, TECH613
Prerequisite for: CLIN816, CLIN820
This course is an enhancement of the spinal evaluation and adjusting procedures presented in the Technique curriculum. The fine points of spinal evaluation and adjusting procedures are covered, with an emphasis on clinical application.

TECH615 81
Extremity Adjusting—5 credits
Prerequisites: TECH602, TECH603, TECH604, TECH605, TECH606, TECH612, TECH613
Prerequisite for: CLIN816, CLIN820
The course emphasizes analytical aspects of extremity care. Consultation, examination and X-ray techniques are covered to determine when and when not to adjust the extremities. Analysis and adjusting of the entire appendicular skeleton are taught.

BACK TO TOP | BACK TO COURSES BY DISCIPLINE